- Key Points:
- Shreyas Iyer excluded from India’s squad for the remaining three Tests against England.
- Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul’s availability subject to fitness clearance.
- Akash Deep receives maiden Test call-up.
- Virat Kohli remains unavailable due to personal reasons.
- Iyer struggled in the first two Tests, failing to register significant scores.
- Iyer experienced back spasms but was cleared for selection.
- Rajat Patidar retains his spot after debut in Visakhapatnam.
- Deep impressed in recent red-ball series against England Lions.
- Five-match Test series currently stands at 1-1.
Introduction
India’s squad for the remaining three Tests against England has been announced, and it comes with some notable exclusions and uncertainties. Shreyas Iyer, who struggled in the first two Tests, has been left out of the squad, while both Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul’s participation is subject to fitness clearance. Additionally, Virat Kohli continues to be unavailable due to personal reasons. With the Test series currently tied at 1-1, these developments could have significant implications for the team’s performance and strategy in the upcoming matches.
Main Content
Iyer’s Struggles and Exclusion
In the first two Tests, Shreyas Iyer was the only senior India batter, apart from Rohit Sharma, who failed to make a significant impact with the bat. With scores of 35, 13, 27, and 29 in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, Iyer’s struggles in defense and strokeplay were evident. Despite being considered one of India’s best batters against spin, his performance in the series was disappointing. However, it is worth mentioning that Iyer had experienced back spasms after the second Test but was cleared for selection.
Uncertainties Surrounding Jadeja and Rahul
Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, two key players in India’s setup, are part of the 17-member squad but their availability for the remaining Tests is uncertain. Both players missed the second Test due to injuries, with Jadeja suffering from a hamstring injury and Rahul dealing with a quad niggle. Their inclusion in the playing XI will depend on receiving fitness clearance from the BCCI’s medical team. Their potential absence could leave a significant void in the team’s batting and bowling departments.
Debut Call-up for Akash Deep
Bengal seamer Akash Deep has received his maiden Test call-up for the remaining three Tests against England. Deep impressed in the recent red-ball series against England Lions, finishing as the leading wicket-taker for India A. With his impressive performances and ability to trouble batsmen, Deep could prove to be a valuable addition to India’s pace attack. His inclusion in the squad highlights the team management’s desire to inject fresh talent and provide opportunities to promising young players.
Virat Kohli’s Continued Unavailability
Virat Kohli, India’s regular captain, will continue to be unavailable for the remaining Tests against England due to personal reasons. Kohli’s absence leaves a significant void in the team’s batting lineup and leadership. His absence will put additional pressure on the other senior players, including Rohit Sharma, to step up and guide the team. Kohli’s return will be eagerly awaited by fans and the team alike.
Conclusion
The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and the uncertainties surrounding the availability of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul have added an element of unpredictability to India’s squad for the remaining three Tests against England. The team will need to find solutions to fill the gaps left by these absences and ensure that the batting and bowling departments remain strong. The inclusion of debutant Akash Deep showcases the team management’s faith in young talent. As the Test series stands at 1-1, the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the outcome, and fans will eagerly await the return of Virat Kohli. The Indian team will need to regroup, strategize, and perform at their best to secure victory in the series.
